“The number of minority firefighters has nearly doubled over the past 12 years,” said Bloomberg. “The members of this graduating class come from a wide range of backgrounds and represent the very best of our city – and our country.”

“This new class of ‘probies’ is the most diverse in FDNY history and moves us closer to our long-stated goal of a department that better reflects the city we serve,” said Cassano. “Through their hard work and many weeks of training at the Fire Academy, this class has earned the right to be called New York City Firefighters.”